How to survive Hong Kong's wildest sporting event of the year

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Photos:10 tips on how to survive the Hong Kong Sevens

1. South Stand commitment mandatory – The only large public area where Sevens revelers can drink alcohol, the legendary South Stand -- off limits to minors -- brings together Hong Kong Stadium's most passionate spectators. But it fills up quickly, so you'll need to arrive early if you want in on the fun.

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Photos:10 tips on how to survive the Hong Kong Sevens

2. Serious fans go to East and West Stands – If you actually want to pay attention to what's happening on the field, the East and West Stands -- the sheltered sections of Hong Kong Stadium -- are the place to be.

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Photos:10 tips on how to survive the Hong Kong Sevens

3. For costumes, (almost) anything goes – These South Stand fans have it right. Clever, yet functional. Avoid heavy suits, big masks and hats that will leave you drenched in sweat and blocking other people's views.

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Photos:10 tips on how to survive the Hong Kong Sevens

4. Walk to the stadium – On Hong Kong Sevens weekend, roads around the stadium are blocked and taxis scarce. Once you arrive anywhere near Causeway Bay (pictured) it's best to just start walking.

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Photos:10 tips on how to survive the Hong Kong Sevens

5. Pace yourself – This guy looks like he knows a thing or two about how to enjoy the Sevens. Big beers allow you to spend less time in line and more time watching the action on the field.

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Photos:10 tips on how to survive the Hong Kong Sevens

6. Avoid the food stalls – "The food in the stadium is all right, but it's a lot of fast food," says Sevens referee Stephan Lehner. Matches last only 15 minutes, so you could miss an entire game while waiting for that hot dog.

8. South Standers, stay waterproof – There's a good chance you'll get hit with mystery liquid in the South Stand. Best wear waterproof clothes and leave your expensive camera behind.

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Photos:10 tips on how to survive the Hong Kong Sevens

9. No ticket? No problem – Didn't get a ticket? There's always the Sevens Village at the Indian Recreation Club directly opposite Hong Kong Stadium, where games are screened live.

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Photos:10 tips on how to survive the Hong Kong Sevens

10. Wan Chai has best after-party – After the games, the party continues in Hong Kong's Lan Kwai Fong and Soho neighborhoods. But Wan Chai is where real rugby fans head.

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Story highlights

The three-day Hong Kong Sevens is the city's biggest sporting event of the year

The South Stand is for fans who like to party

Closed-toe shoes and waterproof outfits recommended in the South Stand

Indian Recreation Club is one of the hotspots for fans without a ticket

"It takes me three days to recover after the Sevens," says referee Robert Esser, who's called the plays at the famed Hong Kong rugby tournament for 12 years.

"If you find out how to survive it, let me know."

The annual Hong Kong Sevens is the city's largest sporting event, attracting thousands of costumed revelers from all over the world.

But making the most of the party atmosphere requires strategy and planning.

With the Sevens on March 28-30, experts and hardcore fans have shared tips on how they'll be getting through the three-day mega party.

1. South Stand commitment mandatory

Click to enlarge

Ask not what the South Stand can do for you, but what you can do for the South Stand.

The only large public area where Sevens revelers can drink alcohol, the legendary South Stand brings together Hong Kong Stadium's most passionate spectators -- all dedicated to having an outrageously good time.

The pros advise arriving before 9 a.m. on the first two days, and as early as 7 a.m. for the Sunday finals.

The stand fills up quickly so you'll be stuck in a long line if you're late.

Costumes are the norm and controlled bladders are a must if you want to keep your spot in the South Stand.

Once you're in, be prepared to have things thrown your way, from rugby balls to jugs of beer and other nondescript fluids.

"Despite the boozy reputation, the South Stand remains remarkably fun and harmless, except for the liver," says one frequent fan.

"Don't be afraid to go to the East and West Stands, because that's where everyone goes to watch the rugby," says 28-year-old rugby player Rowan Varty, who has taken part in the Sevens since he was born as both a spectator and a player.

"That's where you get the best view," adds his sister Lindsay Varty, 25, who plays on the Hong Kong women's rugby team.

"Our parents always sit at the bottom left side of the West Stand near the North Stand. Sometimes, they go higher up for a better view."

3. For costumes, (almost)anything goes

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

The pros advise against wearing heavy suits, big masks and hats that'll have you drenched in sweat and blocking other people's views.

"If you dress up as a polar bear in 20-something-degree weather, you're going to suffer," says rugby player Tsang Hing Hung, 29, who has watched and played at the Hong Kong Sevens for the last 15 years.

And let your ideas run wild.

"I'm pretty sure every year, there are going to be people dressed as crayons and ballerinas," says Rowan Varty.

"If you come up with something original, you stand a better chance of getting in the newspaper."

"The outfits often prove an irrelevant socio-cultural-political barometer -- think of patches of North Korean leaders, Vladimir Putins and Justin Biebers," adds another fan.

4. Walk to the stadium

Roads are blocked and taxis are scarce.

Once you arrive anywhere near Causeway Bay, start walking.

The nearest MTR subway station to the Hong Kong Stadium is Causeway Bay. Go to exit F, which takes you to a spot directly across from Forever 21.

From there, join the crowds and walk up Caroline Hill Road to get to Hong Kong Stadium.

It's about a 15-20 minute walk.

"As you get closer and closer to the stadium, you see all the people coming from everywhere dressed in their costumes, and it's quite a sight," says Rowan Varty.

"It's one of the things we look forward to when we take the team bus."